Shops forced to close as power cut hits Penarth

A POWER cut in Penarth town centre forced businesses to close early and left takeaways unable to serve food last Friday, March 7.

Western Power Distribution said that 90 customers had been affected by the power cut that started around 4pm and lasted for nearly four hours.

Many shops were forced to close early as they had no electricity to use the tills or any of the other equipment, while takeaways on Glebe Street were also hard hit as they were unable to cook food during one of the busiest nights of the week.

A spokesman from Western Power said that a fault in one of their sub stations has caused a fault at the feeder pillar on Windsor Road by the St Fagan’s pub, leading to the power cut.

He apologised for the inconvenience caused but added that compensation for local businesses would not be appropriate as it was only given if businesses had been affected for long periods of time.

Sue Tasher, owner of The Pickled Pepper, said that her business had been experiencing power surges for four days and that when the power was cut it left them unable to serve customers as they had no gas or electricity.

"It's the worst night it could have happened as Fridays are out busiest from start to finish," she said.

Stuart Merrey, of the Chris Capus garden and pet shop, bemoaned the loss of trade to his business and said that it could cost him around £100.

“Three years ago when they had the pavement up they said it would never happen again,” he said.

“When a power cut like this happens they never give us compensation.

“I’ve had to close early as I can’t trade.”

Jo Herbert, of Costa Coffee, said that it was “very frustrating” that they had to close early.

Thompson Butchers expressed concern that they could lose frozen produce, while Boots, Penarth Pets & Groomers, Hamptons, Hello Gorgeous hair salon and shops in Windsor Arcade were all affected by the power cut.

Other shops on Windsor Road, Glebe Street and Ludlow Lane were also affected.